ROCKINGHAM — The city will be saying goodbye to several employees before the end of the year.
A retirement reception will be held Nov. 17 for outgoing Rockingham Police Chief Billy Kelly and Carolyn Ford of the finance department, City Manager Monty Crump announced at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting.
Kelly announced his retirement in August after serving with the department for nearly 30 years.
Following the reception, Detective Capt. George Gillenwater will be sworn in as the new chief.
In addition to Kelly, Maj. Eddie Grant will be retiring the following month.
The council approved a measure for both Kelly and Grant to receive their badges and service weapons upon retirement, which Crump said is a city tradition.
Crump added that three employees from the Public Works Department — Bruce Quick, Brian Campbell and Miriam Haire — will also be retiring the same day.
According to Crump, Quick works at the city cemeteries and Campbell works with buildings and grounds. Haire is the longest-serving employee with around 46 years, Crump added.
Crump said they will receive a watch and plaque.
Also retiring later this year are Roger Coan with the streets department and Randy Alford, supervisor of the sanitation department.
“We’ve got a lot of departures, but they’ve all meant a lot to the city and we all wish them well,” Crump said.
